Unit 4: Ancient India

Most of what we know about Aryan history in India comes from

• archaeological clues and evidence.
• oral stories passed down from generation to generation.
• records from traders who visited their lands.
• sacred writings called Vedas.

The belief that the soul is released from the body at death and reborn in another body is known as

• karma.
• moksha.
• reincarnation.
• the belief that anger can prevent salvation.

The Buddha taught that those who live by the Eightfold Path can attain nirvana, or

• pleasures and material goods.
• life after death.
• a state of perfect peace.
• reincarnation.

Which group of people ranked highest on the caste system?

• Warrior
• Priests
• Farmers
• Merchants

Which word best describes a large land mass that is smaller than a continent?

• Country
• Subcontinent
• State
• Region

What is the name of the seasonal winds that cause the wet and dry seasons in India?

• Hurricane
• Tsunami
• Monsoon
• Tornado

The Himalayan Mountains acted as a barrier for India. How did this impact the people in India?

• Helped protect them from invasions but also separated them from the outside world.
• Helped improve communication and spread new ideas with Asia and Europe
• Helped build relationships with the government and military.
• Helped make traveling easier to trade with the rest of Asia.

The effects that good or bad actions have on a person's soul?

• Karma
• Stress
• Beliefs
• Charisma

The four classes (varnas) in the caste system are: 

• Pharaoh, priests, artisans, slaves
• Brahman, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, Sudras
• King, queen, princes, lords
• Shogun, samurai, governors, artisans

What are the two major rivers of Ancient India?

• Tigris & Euphrates
• Amazon & Parana 
• Indus & Ganges
• Huang He & Yangtze